Nashville Charity Poker Challenge Raises Over $12k for Nonprofits

More than 70 people gave their time and money to play in annual charity tournament

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – February 6, 2026 – The Nashville Charity Poker Challenge concluded Sunday February 1 with an exciting finish after hosting 71 participants in a competition to raise funds for nonprofits. 

Organized by a coalition of community partners, the 6^th annual tournament brought together a competitive and spirited field of players, all united by a shared goal of supporting nonprofit organizations. Proceeds from the event benefited charities selected by the top finishers, reinforcing the tournament’s mission of combining friendly competition with meaningful community giving. 

At the conclusion of the tournament, Darin Lashinsky, founder of NS2 Shows, emerged as this year’s champion, earning top honors and directing $3,500 to the Nashville Humane Association. This marked Lashinsky’s second significant poker-related contribution to the Humane Association, having previously placed second place. Additional funds raised throughout the evening contributed to over $12,000 in charitable donations.  

Lashinsky shared how meaningful the win was, emphasizing that the heart of the event goes far beyond the poker table. “I look forward to the Nashville Charity Poker Challenge every year and have played in it since its inception,” said Lashinksy. “I can’t think of a better way to generate thousands of dollars for nonprofits than to compete in a poker tournament with Nashville’s best players. This is a well-organized event that should not be missed by beginners or avid poker players alike.” 

Since launching in 2019, the Nashville Charity Poker Challenge has grown into a meaningful annual tradition in Middle Tennessee. The event continues to bring the community together to raise more than $10,000 each year for their selected nonprofit organizations.  

“Bongo Java is darn proud to be a founding sponsor of this tournament,” said Bob Bernstein, founder and owner of Bongo Java. “For me, it’s the most fun way to pool donations to make a real difference. We just raised $12,000 for non-profits and more than 70 people said they can’t wait to do it again!” 

Several players made notable runs at the table, earning prize allocations for charities of their choice: 

• Second Place – Kendall Graves – $2,500 benefiting Humanility 

• Third Place – Aaron Purrell – $1,700 benefiting Meals on Wheels 

• Fourth Place – Scott Weiss – $1,200 benefiting American Cancer Society 

• Fifth Place - Justin Donato - $1,000 benefiting Tunnels 2 Towers

• Sixth Place - Wes Stamby - $700 benefiting American Diabetes Association

• Seventh Place - Jason Hubbard - $600 benefiting Breakthrough T1D

• Eight Place - Jonas Bare - $400 benefiting Humane Society

• Ninth Place - Ashlei Weston - $400 benefiting Creative Girls Rock

• Tenth Place - Al McCree - $100 benefiting Peg and Al McCree Scholarship Fund

“Events like this highlight the strength of our local partnerships and the real impact we can make together,” said Michael Dolan, co-founder and owner of Embers Ski Lodge. “As the Nashville Charity Poker Challenge continues to grow, so does its ability to support meaningful causes throughout our community.” 

The 2026 tournament was hosted by Bongo Java, Embers Ski Lodge, Buddy Allen Carpet One Floor and Home, Fat Bottom Brewing and Tiny Mighty Communications, with support from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Event partners also included OG Clubhouse, Five Points Pizza, and Run Good Poker Series. 

With help from local businesses, the venue was transformed into an exciting casino-style setting, adding to the fun of the night and reinforcing a shared commitment to the community. 

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About the Nashville Poker Challenge Fund: A component fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Nashville Poker Challenge Fund ensures transparency, accountability and maximum impact in supporting charitable causes in the Nashville community. Founded by Bob Bernstein of Bongo Java and Michael Dolan of Embers Ski Lodge, the event takes place each year the Sunday before the Super Bowl. The tournament has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits. More information and registration can be found online at 615poker.com.  

About Bongo Java: Bongo is Nashville's oldest and most celebrated coffee company. The company began with a single café in 1993 and has since grown to five cafés and two wholesale businesses supplying 100% Certified Organic coffee and gourmet baked goods. More information can be found online at www.bongojava.com. 

About Embers Ski Lodge: Embers Ski Lodge opened its doors in the heart of 12South in 2015. Inspired by the Ajax lift at Aspen Mountain and a spring skiing deck party at Val D’Isère, Embers Ski Lodge brings the warmth and camaraderie of a true ski lodge to the heart of Nashville.  Embers is carrying the torch for MAFIAoZAs and its Godfather Fund at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.  More information is available online at http://embersskilodge.com/.  

About Buddy Allen Carpet and Flooring: 

Founded in 1964 by Buddy Allen, Buddy Allen Carpet One Floor & Home has built its reputation on a core philosophy of honesty. Gary Allen took over the company, expanding its offerings to include a wide range of flooring options such as carpet, linoleum, hardwood, and tile. The business continues to be operated by Allen’s family. More information can be found online at https://www.buddyallencarpetonenashville.com/.  

About Tiny Mighty Communications: 

Tiny Mighty Communications is a corporate and marketing communications agency that helps industrial and manufacturing brands grow by engaging those who matter most. Specializing in sectors like automotive, building products, construction and advanced materials, the firm focuses on businesses that are engineered, regulated, specified and distributed. Headquartered in Nashville, Tiny Mighty Communications delivers data-driven strategies in corporate reputation, employee engagement, media relations, digital marketing, sustainability, crisis management and more. Trusted by brands big and small, the agency is committed to challenging the status quo, taking calculated risks and setting new standards for success. More information is online at www.tinymightyco.com.  

About Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: 

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee promotes and facilitates giving across the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee and beyond. CFMT accepts gifts of any size from anyone at any time and helps individuals, families, companies, nonprofits, and communities respond to needs and opportunities that matter. The foundation works with people who have generous hearts, whether or not they have great wealth, to craft charitable solutions that reflect their goals and intentions. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org. 

About Run Good Poker Series: 

Founded in 2012, the RunGood Poker Series has grown into one of the most respected mid-major poker tours in the United States. Known for its player-first philosophy, community engagement, and high-quality events, RGPS travels across dozens of casinos nationwide and awards coveted RunGood Rings to champions at every stop. 

About Five Points Pizza: 

Since opening its doors in the heart of East Nashville in September 2011, Five Points Pizza has been offering New York style pizza by the slice or the whole pie, stromboli, salads, addictive garlic knots and a wide selection of local and craft beers on draft. Five Points Pizza has been voted Best Pizza in Nashville by the Nashville Scene Readers Poll every year since it opened. In 2014, Five Points Pizza expanded its original space and added counter service and a slice window to complement its full-service dine-in operation in East Nashville. In 2018, Five Points Pizza expanded with its second full-service location in West Nashville at 4100 Charlotte Ave. Five Points Pizza has expanded its footprint to the Gulch with its first stand-alone slice window located at the Canopy by Hilton at 920 Division St. For more information, including menu offerings, locations and hours, visit www.fivepointspizza.com. 

About OG Clubhouse: 

OG Clubhouse is a poker venue in Oak Grove, Ky., created by longtime players to bring people together over the game they love. OG Clubhouse hosts regular poker nights that draw both local players and visitors, offering a mix of friendly competition and camaraderie for newcomers and seasoned players alike. 

For Media: Sydney Goggans (sgoggans@tinymightyco.com); Michael Curtis (mcurtis@tinymightyco.com)